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Elk Fest

October 3 - 4, 2015

The haunting call of the bull elk fills the Estes Valley during the early days of fall. The call begins with deep, resonant tones that rise rapidly to a high-pitched squeal before dropping to a series of grunts.

What is this strange sound and what does it mean?

To celebrate the annual elk rut and learn about the "wapiti," the Native American name for elk, Estes Park hosts the 18thAnnual Elk Fest in Bond Park and the surrounding area. The festival is free but for fees for the elk bugling contest and elk viewing bus tours.

Vendors will display artwork, handmade elk-ivory jewelry, and will offer distinctive elk cuisine. Mountain men from around the country will gather at the Mountain Man Rendezvous to sell their wares and demonstrate their skills.

Daily elk seminars explain the elk breeding season, or "rut," and describe elk biology and management. Representatives from the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program will display on a gloved hand some of their magnificent rescued birds. It's amazing to see these majestic birds close up.

On Sunday, amateurs and professionals compete to see who can sound most like an elk bugling at the Elk Bugling Contest. Entrants can use a diaphragm, a horn or just vocal chords.

There is no admission fee to attend Elk Fest, but Elk-viewing bus tour tickets will be available to purchase. Bus tours take people to the best places to view and hear the elk. Each bus will have an expert guide on board to explain what viewers are seeing and hearing. Tours depart Bond Park starting at 10 am Saturday and at 9 am on Sunday. Fees are $5 for those over three years of age.